With music strong I come—with my cornets and my drums,
I play not marches for acceptedvictors only—I play great marches for conquer’d and slain persons.
[18.1]
Have you heard that it was good to gain the day? 355
I also say it is good to fall—battles are lost in the same spirit in which they are won.
[18.2]
I beat and pound for the dead;
I blow through my embouchures my loudest and gayest for them.
[18.3]
Vivas to those who have fail’d!
And to those whose war-vessels sank in the sea! 360
And to those themselves who sank in the sea!
And to all generals that lost engagements ! and all overcome heroes!
And the numberless unknown heroes, equal to the greatest heroes known.
[18.4]
18.
With music strong I come—with my cornets and my drums,
I play not marches for accepted victors only—I play great marches for conquer’d and slain persons.
[18.1]
Have you heard that it was good to gain the day? 355
I also say it is good to fall—battles are lost in the same spirit in which they are won.
[18.2]
I beat and pound for the dead;
I blow through my embouchures my loudest and gayest for them.
[18.3]
Vivas to those who have fail’d!
And to those whose war-vessels sank in the sea! 360
And to those themselves who sank in the sea!
And to all generals that lost engagements ! and all overcome heroes!
And the numberless unknown heroes, equal to the greatest heroes known.
[18.4]
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